Pak Mei has its roots in the Buddhist Shaolin temple, thereafter through a series of unfortunate, but awesome events, saw the art go through the Taoist mountains of China. With each transmission certain elements of these belief systems have left a theoretical and philosophical imprint on our art form.But there was and is another undeniably powerful force. So much that is Kung Fu has been determined by Chinese culture. One overarching element to Chinese culture and Kung Fu etiquette are the relationships as determined by Confucian teachings.

Confucian teachings have had a significant influence across much of eastern Asia. It has manifested itself in many physical forms, the most recognisable of which is the stereotypical bowing by Asians. A whole book can be written on this, and indeed, has (albeit on a bamboo scroll, vertically and from right to left).To summarise Confucian theory:

Lai (Ritual) – This started off as ceremonies, but over time has become our daily norms and mannerisms (E.g. Greeting Sifu by saying ‘Sifu’ when you see him at training)

Hao (Filial piety/respect) – This one is a massive concept. But it is the respect and duty that is required between Father (Sifu) and son/daughter (you and I); between Brother/Sister (you and I) and Brother/Sister (you and I); Son/Daughter (you and I) and Uncles (Si-bak, Si-suk). These relationships determine hierarchy. Generally it refers to respect and it TRANSCENDS race, age and skill in the context of kung fu (even if someone is younger than you or in your eyes, less skilled than you, if they entered the gates before you, they are your OLDER BROTHER/SISTER, there is no exception).

Chung (Loyalty) – Don’t train in another Kung fu style if you can help it! Defend the honour of our school and pai

In recent years there has been a trend of internet sifus creating historic stories of grandeur in a bid to improve the standing of their style in ‘Gong Wu’ (Kung Fu Society). Unwittingly, they have done more damage to their respective styles than anything else. Unfortunately, it has often been Gwei Lo’s who have been doing this.

It is unfortunate because this is one of those very things that the old masters feared when they refused to teach the round eyes. It is somewhat deluded to believe making up stories will convince Gong Wu. Why? Well Gong Wu is a close knit society, with myriads of connections and a multitude of intersecting histories. These connections and histories do not only relate to the whole history of the style, but also that of the story teller. By this I mean, the person/s making up these stories have their own connections with Gong Wu, and sooner rather than later, the truth uncovers itself.

All kung fu styles have their past shrouded in mystery, it is one of those things that attracts us to the arts. From a Chinese person’s perspective, making up stories that aim to convince Gong Wu of alternate histories is not only disrespectful to the style but also counter-productive. As part of Buddhist teachings which run through all kung fu styles in one form or another, a core theme is the Reality of Truth, or non-delusion. It is important to accept what has happened in the past, because only then will the style be able to flourish into the future.

Many people start kung fu, or any other martial art for that matter, with the sole purpose of getting to master level. While this is something that we should all strive to attain, it should not be the motivating factor simply because it can possibly take you 20 years to become a true master of Pak Mei. Of course for those lucky enough to have the natural ability, this can be a much shorter process.

There is a potential trap when we speak of natural ability especially in the western context. Western athletic ability is very different to the type of natural ability in our art. When we say ‘He’s very athletic’ we automatically conjure an image of a 6 foot something jock with bulging muscles and a head that merges seamlessly into the neck! This, in the Chinese kung fu context is what we would associate with an ‘External’ type of athleticism. Pak Mei however is both an internal and external art, where one can only complement the other. Neither can overshadow the other.

Very Mr Miyagi isn’t it?

Being the dynamic art that Pak Mei is, the first year or two will really determine the pace of your learning for the rest of your training. So if you’re just starting out, take your time, get comfortable with your stance and let the chips fall into place.